“When did you last sleep properly?” Ernest leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing with speculation. “And don’t claim it’s worry over Sulton. You’ve handled far more complex situations without looking like you’ve been trampled by your own horses.”
Aaron had had too much time to think on his way to White’s. Every rotation of his carriage’s wheels reminded him of Louise in his chambers, the soft sounds she made when pleasure overtook her, the way she offered herself so completely ….
He forced the memories away, focusing on the man across from him.
“I need your advice about finding Sulton.” Aaron set down his cup with deliberate precision. “We’ve hit a dead end.”
“We?” Ernest’s eyebrow arched. “Would this ‘we’ include a certain copper-haired companion?”
“The search has revealed he took critical evidence with him. A ledger documenting his involvement with Wigram’s operations.”
Ernest accepted the deflection with visible amusement. “Then stop chasing Sulton, and start chasing Wigram. The first will surface wherever Wigram operates. Follow the criminal, find the fool.”
The logic was sound. Aaron nodded slowly, already restructuring his search parameters. “Wigram operates at several locations. It would require a great deal of surveillance.”
“Which you can afford.” Ernest poured himself more coffee, his movements casual but his gaze sharp. “Though I suspect money isn’t what’s actually troubling you.”
Aaron remained silent. Ernest had always possessed an uncanny ability to see through his walls.
“She’s gotten under your skin.” Ernest set down the coffee pot with unnecessary force. “Lady Louise. Don’t bother denying it. You practically claimed her in front of all London at the ball.”
“That was a foolish move on my part.”
“Was it?” Ernest leaned forward. “Because from where I stood, it looked like a man finally being honest about what he wanted.”
Aaron pushed back from the table, moving to the window.
Below, Mayfair conducted its morning business, servants hurrying on errands, carriages rolling past. Everything orderly, proper, and contained within boundaries.
“She deserves better.” The words emerged without conscious decision. “A man without my history, my father’s shadow, my inability to …”
“To what? Love?” Ernest appeared beside him at the window. “You’ve spent so long convinced that you’re your father, that you’ve forgotten a fundamental truth.”
“Which is?”
“Your father never questioned whether he deserved the women he pursued. Never worried about their welfare beyond his own pleasure. Never tried to protect them from himself.” Ernest gripped Aaron’s shoulder. “The very fact that you’re torturing yourself over Lady Louise proves you’re nothing like him.”
Aaron wanted to believe it. But he thought of Louise’s trust, her vulnerability, the way she looked at him as if he could be the man Emily’s gift suggested. A protector. A knight.
“I take advantage of her dependence on me. She lives under my roof and relies on my charity. How is that any different from father?”
“Because you’re trying to save her brother, protect her sister, and secure their future.” Ernest squeezed his shoulder once before releasing it. “And because she chooses you, despite having every reason not to.”
Before Aaron could respond, a footman appeared in the doorway. “Your Grace, Mr. Howlett has arrived for your appointment.”
Aaron nodded, grateful for the interruption.
Ernest gathered his gloves and hat but paused at the door. “You’re a better man than you give yourself credit for, old friend. Perhaps it’s time you let someone else see that too.”
Aaron did not respond before heading off to find the Runner.
Howlett waited in a private room, his professional bearing unchanged despite the elegant surroundings. The Runner rose as Aaron entered, a gesture of respect that always made Aaron slightly uncomfortable.
“Your Grace. Thank you for meeting me here.”
Aaron gestured for him to sit. “Have you made progress?”
“Some.” Howlett pulled out his notebook, fingers finding the relevant page. “Wigram’s been seen at three different locations in the last week. He seems agitated, asking questions about Lord Sulton at every stop.”
